FC Goa registered another goalless draw in the ongoing AFC Champions League against Al Wahda at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa on Saturday. It was a another solid defensive performance from the Gaurs as the club has now moved to the second position in Group E (West Region) ahead of Al Rayyan and Al Wahda.
The team’s head coach Juan Ferrando is delighted with the performance of his team and heaped praise on his players for another impressive performance. Ferrando was happy with the team’s attacking intent after the match against Al Wahda.
“We were playing against a very good team. All the teams in the [AFC] Champions League are the best in Asia. I’m happy to get some points in attack. We were better in the positional attack… the [FC Goa] squad wants to win, they have ambition, but we need to improve with a new target on our mind,” the Spaniard said.
Ferrando is not surprised by his team’s performance as the players want to keep improving their game. However, Ferrando’s team will have a stiff challenge against Group leaders Persepolis FC and feels his team will need to control their emotions against a top team.
“It’s not surprising because I know my squad wants to improve every day. It’s a pleasure for me to work with this coaching staff, these players. We are happy but don’t forget, in two days we have to play against Persepolis. In the end, we have to control our emotions. It’s necessary to repeat some details and change the plan for Persepolis. We have to continue in the same way because it’s a very difficult competition,” he said.
Meanwhile, Al Wahda had a couple of chances throughout the match especially during the injury time but Dheeraj Singh was a wall for FC Goa.
“Al Wahda had 2-3 very good chances, especially in the last minute. But Dheeraj was a superman today. There were some chances for us too and I’m happy that our chances were not from set-pieces but from our build-up. We need to improve in the final third, but we need to talk about the balance. The new target is to improve the details,” the Spaniard said.
FC Goa will face Persepolis FC on 20th April at Fatorda Stadium in Goa.